Few schools offer associate's degrees in this field because a project manager usually needs a bachelor's degree in an area like engineering, business administration, information technology or construction management. However, read on to learn about typical courses at a couple of schools offering associate's degree programs that can help you launch a career in project management.
Earning an Associate's Degree in Project Management
Since project managers need both management skills and technical skills relevant to their industry, most positions require a bachelor's or master's degrees in the field in which you'll be working, as well as experience or additional education in project management. This additional education usually takes the form of an undergraduate specialization or a graduate degree or certificate in project management. Although there aren't many associate's degrees offered in this field, there are some programs that can serve as a starting point for a project management career in the IT and construction fields.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAnAssociateSDegreeInProjectManagement"> Important Facts About an Associate's Degree in Project Management</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Programs </td><td> Professional Project Management (PMP) Certification</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Schools with programs available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education</td><td> Certificate programs, bachelor's and master's degrees available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Critical thinking, negotiation, interpersonal skills, strategic planning, strategic planning, clear speaking and writing ability</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2023) </td><td> $77,428 (<i>for all project managers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 16% growth (<i>for all computer & information systems managers</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *Payscale, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AASInBusinessInformationTechnologyManagement">AAS in Business Information Technology Management</h3><p>Earning an Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Technology Management can prepare you to become an IT project manager. Some core courses in this program include:
</p><ul><li>Programming
</li><li>Systems Design
</li><li>Management Principles
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AASInConstructionManagement">AAS in Construction Management</h3><p>Although the Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management Technology program at the New York City College of Technology won't fully prepare you to become a project manager in the construction industry, you can earn credits in this program that can be transferred to appropriate bachelor's degree programs in construction management or civil engineering. In addition, completing a program like this one can help you land a job that will provide you with valuable experience for your future project management career. You're likely to take the following core courses in this program:
</p><ul><li>Advanced Construction Management
</li><li>Construction Drawings
</li><li>Structural Design
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PursuingACareerInProjectManagement">Pursuing a Career in Project Management</h3><p>The Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that project managers work in many different industries, including construction, engineering and information technology. Successful project managers possess excellent time management, organizational and people-management skills that allow them to complete projects on time and within budget.</p>
